[cluckyb]

I got a pair of HD555s around a year ago. They sounded great, no serious problems. I didn't use them for a couple of months, and now upon using again they sound kinda muffled. I think its a problem with the bass, as if I turn bass booster on in itunes the problem gets worse while if I turn it off its less noticeable (but you just don't get any bass so while listenable its really just as bad)
 
I really don't recall having these problems previously -- they are noticable enough that sounds sound funny so something has most certainly changed with them. Some quick internet searches indicate similar sounding problems with new headphones needing to get burned in, but these aren't new I just was using other headphones for a few months because I was too lazy to pull my HD555s out for some odd reason. The cable does like to twist up on itself and get a little tangled - but that happened before too and there are not any sharp kinks, just twists and loops and stuff. 
 
Any suggestions on how to fix? I really liked the headphones before this but given this and problems with previous pairs of headphones I'm beginning to doubt value in buying swanky headphones if they are just going to crap out after a year.

 

[Gwarmi]

Did you leave them anywhere cold or moist like a drawer near the window?
 
Could be moisture.

 

[LimeANite]

What have you been using in the mean time?  If you've been using something with very clear bass presentation, then it could make the HD555 sound muffled in comparison.

 

[liamstrain]

Could the drivers have been damaged? 
 
1. Have you tried plugging them into another source/amp? 
 
2. Do you have other headphones you can test on your current source/amp? 
 
3. Have you had any possible ear damage? Loud concerts? etc... 
 
 
 
 
This definitely sounds odd - good headphones don't usually just crap out. 

 

[cluckyb]

I have been using my earphones (Etymotic MC5s) in the meantime, so it isn't a driver/ear damage issue. I don't recall thinking "Wow the bass on these things is so much better" when I first started using them though. (and it comparision, the 555s certainly seem to have more bass so maybe I just wasn't used to it after a while)
 
Then seem to be sounding better now. Still feel a little off, but that might be placebo effect. 

 

[Kanashimu]

Maybe try the HD 555 foam mod if you haven't done so already?

 

[DaBomb77766]

Could just be the normal sound signature.  My HD595s sound rather muffled with "fuzzy" bass most of the time, to me.  From what I understand the 555 is even worse in that aspect without the foam mod...

 

[liamstrain]

the MC5's are a world away from the 555's in sound signature. I can see how that might be jarring - going from a bass light, detailed presentation, to a more roomy, heavier one.